Cohasset has a very strong Town Managers Act. The TM is the chief administrative officer responsible to the BoS for the effective management of the Town including the budget, personnel, collective bargaining, and litigation.
A pretty important person. So what skill sets and qualities should we be looking for in a our new town manager?
I suggest it's at least as important to have some business acumen as a knowedge of municipal law. Someone, maybe, who is a hands-on manager (different from micromanager) with expertise in turnaround situations. I say this because I am convinced we need to get over the 'municipal government' mindset and reevaluate how our 'corporation' is structured, budgeted and managed.
I don't have the business argot but there are a lot of you out there who do. I'd appreciate your input.
I know in my mind, heart and gut that this is without a doubt what needs to happen. What do you think?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
BoS AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (Revised from Monday, 9/27)
TREAT'S POND REDUX
The BoS will discuss the 1964 Bigelow Easement on Treat's Pond on Atlantic Avenue. Although Treat's Pond is privately owned, it requires the town to maintain the 'marsh pond' in it's natural state. The discussion will focus on what is the town's legal obligation, and what legal rights does the town possess.
100 PLEASANT STREET WATER EASEMENT
Attorney Virginia Brophy will explain her legal opposition to Town Counsel's ruling that the Water Commission had the right to reduce the easement from 30' to 12' without a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting. Town Counsel Lou Ross will be present to defend his ruling.
BoS meetings are held at 7pm in the Town Manager's office at Town Hall. Plan to attend or watch on Comcast, Channel 10 (Not available on Verizon)
TREAT'S POND REDUX
The BoS will discuss the 1964 Bigelow Easement on Treat's Pond on Atlantic Avenue. Although Treat's Pond is privately owned, it requires the town to maintain the 'marsh pond' in it's natural state. The discussion will focus on what is the town's legal obligation, and what legal rights does the town possess.
100 PLEASANT STREET WATER EASEMENT
Attorney Virginia Brophy will explain her legal opposition to Town Counsel's ruling that the Water Commission had the right to reduce the easement from 30' to 12' without a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting. Town Counsel Lou Ross will be present to defend his ruling.
BoS meetings are held at 7pm in the Town Manager's office at Town Hall. Plan to attend or watch on Comcast, Channel 10 (Not available on Verizon)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
COHASSET, INC.
We need to get over thinking of Cohasset as 'municipal government': Cohasset is a 35 million dollar corporation.
Sure, we have municipal law but how is that any different that the laws that affect the banking/securities industry? Controlling legislature does not exist exclusive of good business modeling.
I've been advocating that we must look at how our town business and budget is structured. The first positive step was the creation of the Budget Planning Group but change in Town Hall is slow, very slow. I'm not very patient.
The selection of a new Town Manager presents us with a wonderful opportunity to take an objective assessment of how town hall operates and to initiate the changes necessary to best position Cohasset to succeed in a very challenging economic environment.
What we make of this opportunity is entirely up to us. We can continue to operate within our comfort zone or we can be bold and ensure Cohasset's future rests on solid management and financial practices.
Cohasset is at a crossroads. Change for change sake is of no value. Adapting to changing circumstances is essential to success.
Sure, we have municipal law but how is that any different that the laws that affect the banking/securities industry? Controlling legislature does not exist exclusive of good business modeling.
I've been advocating that we must look at how our town business and budget is structured. The first positive step was the creation of the Budget Planning Group but change in Town Hall is slow, very slow. I'm not very patient.
The selection of a new Town Manager presents us with a wonderful opportunity to take an objective assessment of how town hall operates and to initiate the changes necessary to best position Cohasset to succeed in a very challenging economic environment.
What we make of this opportunity is entirely up to us. We can continue to operate within our comfort zone or we can be bold and ensure Cohasset's future rests on solid management and financial practices.
Cohasset is at a crossroads. Change for change sake is of no value. Adapting to changing circumstances is essential to success.
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